San Antonio dominates its first fifteen games, surprising the league at 15-0.

Unlike projections and sports betting odds, the new-look San Antonio Spurs have become a superpower in the league, cruising without much turbulence to a 15-0 record that included two big wins over the OKC Thunder, LA Lakers and the LA Clippers.

The chemistry came together fast and now the question is how long will the win streak last. What all has stood out so far?

• The duo of Jerami Grant and Wendell Carter has given the Spurs reliability at the 4 spot, so strong and versatile.
  
•  Anthony Black stepped up when Garland got into foul trouble one game, later excelling at the starting SF spot against the Thunder's SGA in a comeback victory of the NBA Cup in what was San Antonio's toughest challenge. 
• Darius Garland is shooting the lights out with Tyler Herro not far behind. The points-per-game minigame these two might play this year is anyone's guess of who'll win it.
• The two of them with Jalen Green finally hit the 90-point mark as a trio to cap off the 15-0 blitz, looking like worthy successors to the OG trio of Drummond, Ingram & Murray.
• Dillon Brooks continues to be a veteran defensive presence, with Jordan Clarkson adding bench firepower.
• C.J. McCollum has hit some big shots behind Garland, sharing minutes well with the promising Black.
• The defensive arsenal has greatly improved with Capela, Carter & Allen in the frontcourt at times.

Coach Mike Malone has begun the ironing-out the rotation, but there are so many options with most if not all of the roster gelling well, putting the league on notice. San Antonio isn't stopping its dynastic dominance anytime soon.

From tragedy into transformation...

Darius Garland has a new backcourt partner: Tyler Herro.

After becoming the 2nd duo in NBA Finals history to each score 40 points in a single game, with a 18th consecutive championship for the Spurs within seconds against longtime rival, the Miami Heat, Jalen Green looked down court at Dejounte Murray, but his celebratory smile faded into shock. "DJ" was clutching at his calf, grimacing with pain: a torn achilles spoiling the 18th straight title victory.

 After yet another defeat in the NBA Playoffs, the Denver Nuggets fired both its GM and Head Coach, Mike Malone, who was quickly scooped up by the San Antonio Spurs. Malone has his hands full with arguably the most talented and definitively the most expensive roster ever. Five new players join the silver-and-black squadron in this MASSIVE trade:

• Anthony Black, 6'7" defensive stalwart, point guard prodigy
• Tyler Herro, savvy extreme scorer, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" from the Miami Heat
• Wendell Carter, Jr, finesse and fierce stretch four-ward
• Jarrett Allen, widely regarded as the best defensive center
• Jerami Grant, versatile wing defender with a 3PT arsenal

The Spurs parted ways with Devin Vassell, Kelly Oubre, Stephon Castle in exchange for Herro. There is a certain confidence to the top brass in San Antonio that comes with being the winningest team in NBA history as they made a titanic commitment to this plan, trading away all of its draft capital for the foreseeable future. Most of it went to the Orlando Magic for Black and Carter, with the Pelicans helping San Antonio acquire Grant by giving Portland a pick as well. Murray will return reportedly halfway through the season. The Magic also nabbed Dalano Banton from Portland in exchange for Cole Anthony, who'd struggled mightily in Orlando as of late. Portland also got Pelle Larsson and Haywood Highsmith from the Heat in exchange for Matisse Thybulle, who had a down year due to injury. The Heat have also signed Chris Paul to help mentor and lead the new bevy of young, capable new talent for Miami's future.

The Cavaliers parted with Garland, after an injury-riddled season, for the services of De'Aaron Fox and John Collins, along with serviceable prospect big, Charles Bassey. Evan Mobley's ascension made Allen expendable, considering future salary implications after Donovan Mitchell's huge extension and the acquisition of De'Andre Hunter from the Hawks. The Toronto Raptors are taking a chance on Brandon Ingram, who won back-to-back MVPs in San Antonio but wanted to embark on a new journey. Toronto gave Davion Mitchell to the Heat to help absorb Ingram's super-max salary. While Dejounte rehabilitates, Blake Wesley joins the Pelicans along with promising Heat forward, Nikola Jovic. 

The Spurs are also re-signing backup center, Clint Capela, who was acquired last season in the Keldon Johnson trade with Atlanta; ironically, Johnson now joins the Magic, who've been looking to upgrade their offensive firepower. Some extra insurance comes to San Antonio with Tristan Thompson, who is still capable of contributing as a bench big.

Dejounte Murray's jersey will be in the Spurs arena rafters one day. The real #5, indeed.

With last year's 81-1 win/loss record becoming the best ever in NBA history, the expectations are understandably lower but also higher in different ways for this new Spurs team, as they look to win their 19th consecutive Larry O'Brien trophy. It is bittersweet to see Coach Popovich retire, but a new era, despite a mountainous payroll after extensions for Black, Green, Herro and Carter, brings a much needed rush of excitement to The Riverwalk Dynasty.